Chapter V: Pioneer Reminiscences (6)

Mr. Shelton belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 116, I. O. O. F., of Pomeroy, to the Woodmen of the World, to the Grange and the Farmers' Union. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served for some time on the school board. He is a man of unusual energy, finding the opportunity to take part in public affairs in addition to looking after his extensive farming interests. He is manager of the No. 2 telephone line and in that capacity has made an excellent record for the fine service rendered patrons. He is distinctly a western man, possessing the self-reliance, resourcefulness and enterprise characteristic of this section.

MRS. IDA MAY WOLFE.

Mrs. Ida May Wolfe, widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county, is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families. She resides on section 35, township 8 north, range 36 east, where she owns a valuable farming property. She was born on the site of the present city of Dayton and is a daughter of Oliver C. and Mary E. (Mealey) Gallaher. Her mother was a daughter of Dr. Mealey, who was one of the noted men of his day. Her father crossed the plains in 1845, when few white men had penetrated into the vast wilderness of the northwest. He drove across the hot stretches of sand over the mountain passes and at length reached the Willamette valley of Oregon, where he took up a donation claim. At that time the city of Portland had no existence and the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun in all the vast northwest. He resided in the Willamette valley until the spring of 1862, when he came to Walla Walla county and took up his abode in the Walla Walla valley, where he resided until the time of his death. His entire life was devoted to farming and he contributed much to the early agricultural development of this section of the country. His efforts were an important factor in promoting progress and improvement in the Inland Empire and he was among those who laid broad and deep the foundation upon which is built the present prosperity and progress of the county. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party and he took an active and helpful interest in politics, recognizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship. In a word, he left the impress of his individualuty for good upon the developmen of this section of the state and his memory is yet revered and honored by many who knew him in the early days. In his family were six children, three of whom are now living.

His daughter, Mrs. Wolfe, was reared and educated in Walla Walla county and is familiar with many phases of pioneer life here. In 1883 she became the wife of W. H. Buroker, a pioneer of this county, having come here in 1864. Through their united thrift and industry they acquired a large and valuable property, which at the death of Mr. Buroker in 1902 was equally divided among the legal heirs. To Mr. and Mrs. Buroker were born five children: Zenna, the wife of L. O. McInroe; Ina J., the wife of Frank McInroe, of Walla Walla county; Forrest L., who is a resident farmer of Walla Walla county; one who is deceased; and Mary E., the wife of R. W. Rigsby. Several years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Buroker became the wife of L. R. Wolfe in 1906. Her father died on the 29th of May, 1916, having long survived his wife, who passed away about thirty-nine years ago. They were both laid to rest in this county.

Mrs. Wolfe is now the owner of several hundred acres of fine land which has been brought under a high state of cultivation and returns splendid crops annually, thus providing the family with a very substantial income. Mr. Wolfe belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias and Mrs. Wolfe is connected with the Rebekah lodge, the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows. She is also a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes a very active and helpful part in church work, contributing generously to its support. Her entire life has been passed in this county, where she is most widely known, and she has a very extensive circle of warm friends, who enjoy her companionship and entertain for her the highest regard.

JOHN F. ABBOTT.

John F. Abbott, of Walla Walla, is one of the pioneers of eastern Washington, arriving here in 1859, and for many years he was prominently connected with transportation interests as the owner of a stage line from Walla Walla to Boise, Idaho. Later, when the country became more settled, he turned his attention to farming and was also successful in that connection. His birth occurred in Rome, New York, March 25, 1823, and he remained in that state until he was thirteen years old. He then went to work and for the next few years was employed in various states. On removing to Wisconsin he became connected with a stage line and so continued until 1849, when he, like so many others, made the long and dangerous journey across the plains to the California gold fields. He devoted two years to mining and then went to La Fayette, Oregon, where he established a stage line between that point and Portland and another between Jacksonville and Sterlingville. He operated the two lines until 1859, when he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and at once became a factor in the business life of the town as the proprietor of a stage line from Walla Walla to Wallula. He also engaged in the livery business and later, in connection with Thomas & Ruckle, established a stage line from Walla Walla over the Blue mountains to Boise, Idaho. At that early day stage coaches furnished practically the only means of communication from one part of the western country to another and stage lines were as important to the development of the section as railroads are today. In 1873 Mr. Abbott sold his interests in that business and began farming and stock raising. He met with unusual success as an agriculturist and at the time of his death had extensive farm holdings in Walla Walla county and also held title to valuable city properties.

Mr. Abbott was married in Oregon, April 24, 1853, to Mrs. Susan (Snyder) Creighton, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of three children: John H., who is one of the prominent farmers of Walla Walla county; Belle, the wife of H. G. Mauzey, of Walla Walla; and Anna A., who is the widow of Colonel W. H. Miller and is caring for her aged mother. Mrs. Abbott was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, October 22, 1824, and is a daughter of Stephen Snyder. She lost her parents when quite small and in 1845 came west with her aunt, Amelia Risley. They traveled by ox teams across the plains and settled in Yamhill county, Oregon. At the age of twenty years Susan Snyder was united in marriage to Nathaniel Creighton, by whom she had one child, Minnie, who married D. B. Day, of Walla Walla, but is now deceased. Mr. Creighton died in 1849 and his widow subsequently became the wife of John F. Abbott. In 1859, in company with their four children, they came to Walla Walla, and here Mrs. Abbott has since made her home. She is still alert of mind and active of body.

Mr. Abbott was prominent in the work of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was generous to a fault, contributing liberally to all deserving enterprises and charities. He was progressive and public-spirited and did all within his power to further the advancement of his community. His death, which occurred March 14, 1896, occasioned widespread regret, as it was generally recognized that his energy, sound judgment and civic spirit were valuable assets of Walla Walla.

JOHN K. RAINWATER.

The history of Dayton is to John K. Rainwater a matter of personal experience, as he settled upon the site of Dayton when it was government land as yet untouched by the hand of man. For years he engaged in farming but has now disposed of the greater part of his land, which is included within the city of Dayton, although he retains the ownership of seven acres, upon which he resides. His birth occurred in eastern Tennessee, January 3, 1834, and he is a son of James and Dalila (Keifer) Rainwater, natives of that state. The family removed to Arkansas, where the mother passed away, and subsequently the father went with his children to Missouri. His last years, however, were passed in Dayton, Washington, and here his death occurred. Four of his five children survive.

John K. Rainwater grew to manhood in Arkansas and acquired his education in the public schools there. In early manhood he decided to try his fortune in the west and in 1861 made the long journey overland by ox team to Albany, Oregon. He rented a farm in that locality but in 1869 removed to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, settling on a farm now within the city limits of Dayton. He has now disposed of all of his land save seven acres but for a considerable period he was actively engaged in the operation of his farm and proved successful as an agriculturist. It has been a great pleasure to him to witness the steady and rapid development of this section and especially of Dayton and he has gladly given his aid to all projects seeking the public welfare. He is now living retired after a life of well directed industry and he is deservedly held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen.

Mr. Rainwater was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Sparks, also a native of Tennessee, and to them were born six daughters and one son: Dalila, the wife of George Munsey; Susan J., who married O. C. White, now of Olympia, Washington; Alice, the wife of Colonel F. Green, a resident of California; Ellen, who married William Robinson; Arthur L., who is living in Montana; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Charles Door; and Nancy, the wife of Frank Desersy, of Seattle. The wife and mother was called to her reward December 30, 1889, and was laid to rest in the Dayton cemetery.

Mr. Rainwater is a stanch republican in politics and served ably as member of the city council of Dayton and for a number of years was a member of the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and is also affiliated with the Mystic Shrine. He has filled most of the chairs and is well known as a Mason who exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings of the craft. For fifty-six years he has resided in this locality and his record has always been that of a public-spirited citizen, willing at all times to subordinate personal interests to the good of his community, county or state. The success which he gained and which enables him to enjoy the comforts of life was the direct result of his hard work and good management, and he is entitled to the praise that is given a self-made man.

ADAM FUDGE.

For almost thirty years Adam Fudge was identified with the agricultural interests of Walla Walla county and took a prominent part in its development. The greater part of his life was passed on the Pacific coast and he was thoroughly familiar with pioneer conditions in this section of the country. He was born in Illinois, May 26, 1845, a son of Adam and Catherine Fudge, who were natives of Virginia and early settlers of Illinois. In 1847 the family crossed the continent to Polk county, Oregon, where the father secured a farm and engaged in its operation for some years. His death occurred in Astoria, Oregon, and his wife died in Independence, that state.

Mr. Fudge, of this review, grew to manhood in Oregon and was indebted to the early schools of that state for the educational advantages he had. In 1872 he came to Walla Walla, where he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life. For five years he was engaged in the butcher business in Waitsburg and then purchased a ranch in Whitman county. He made his home in Waitsburg until coming to Walla Walla. His death occurred in May, 1901, his remains being interred in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Waitsburg. In his farming operations he met with good success and left to his widow a valuable tract of eight hundred acres of land in Whitman county, which she still owns.

In 1872 Mr. Fudge was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Perkins, who was born in Marshall county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Joel B. and Margaret (Burt) Perkins, both natives of Kentucky. In that state the Perkins family lived about ten miles from Mammoth Cave. They removed to Oregon in 1852 and located on a farm near Portland, where they made their home until coming to Walla Walla in 1862. The parents both died at Waitsburg and two of their nine children have also passed away. Those living are: James A., for many years a banker of Colfax, Washington, but now engaged in the real estate business Mary; Mattie, the wife of Alfred Miller, of Lacrosse, Washington; T. J., of Spokane; Frank B., of the Big Bend country; E. L., of Harrington, Washington; and Garfield, of Spokane. To Mr. and Mrs. Fudge were born three children, namely: Grace, deceased; Adna, the wife of Samuel B. Sweeney; and Will C., assistant cashier of the Colfax National Bank. Mrs. Fudge rents the ranch and she and her daughter are now residing in Walla Walla, where they own a fine residence. She is a member of the Christian church and is a most estimable lady, who has a host of warm friends.

Mr. Fudge took a very active part in the Odd Fellows lodge to which he belonged and was a stanch supporter of the republican party. He was a man of good business and executive ability, who usually carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook, and his course in life was ever such as to commend him to the confidence and regard of all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the representative pioneers of the Pacific northwest and to such men is due the present development and prosperity of this region.

EMERSON LEE WHEELER.

Emerson Lee Wheeler, owner and publisher of the Waitsburg Times, of which his father had long been the editor, is not only widely known in journalistic circles but is regarded as one of the most prominent and influential residents of his section of the state, a fact which finds its verification in his long continued service as mayor of his city. He was born in Waitsburg, March 22, 1878, a son of Charles and Alice Wheeler. The father was born in Cass county, Missouri, February 19, 1852, and was one of a family of ten children. After reaching manhood he wedded Alice Reavis, a daughter of Judge D. B. Reavis, the wedding being celebrated in 1877, and not long afterward they started for the west, making the journey by mule team across the plains. Arriving at Waitsburg, Mr. Wheeler learned that the village school was without a principal and applied for and secured the position. After a year spent as teacher he was nominated for the position of county superintendent of schools at the hands of the republican convention and was elected and re-elected in 1880. In the following year he was appointed by the governor as territorial superintendent of schools and during his five years' incumbency in that office did splendid work in organizing the schools, in promoting their standards and advancing their efficiency. On the expiration of that period he acquired a lease on the Waitsburg Times and afterward purchased the plant. He then successfully edited and conducted the paper until 1896, when he leased the plant to his son, Emerson L., who afterward purchased the paper and has since successfully conducted it. For about seven years Charles W. Wheeler was lecturer for the Woodmen of the World and gained an enviable reputation as a public speaker by reason of his eloquence and his clear presentation of every question which he handled. He died May 19, 1917, at the age of sixty-five years, respected by those who knew him and most of all by those who knew him best.

Emerson L. Wheeler, spending his boyhood and youth in Waitsburg, acquired his education in its public schools and in the Waitsburg Academy. He, too, took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for a year, and he then leased the Waitsburg Times from his father and still continues its publication. He was practically raised in the print shop, being, as it were, "To the manner born." He had spent most of his vacations in the printing office up to the time when he assumed its active management. He has since given his undivided attention to the publication of the paper, which is a representative of high standards of journalism. Its columns have been used in large measure to further the interests and welfare of town and county and he has made the Times both the mirror and the moulder of public opinion.

In his home town on the 5th of June, 1900, Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage to Miss Myrtie V. Duncan, a native of California and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Duncan, who were pioneers of the Walla Walla valley.

Mr. Wheeler has an interesting military record. For four years he served as a member of Company D, First Infantry, of the National Guard of Washington, occupying that position until 1898, when the National Guard was mustered into the national service as Company K for active duty in the Philippines. He was, however, rejected on account of defective eyesight, so that he could not go to the orient. In politics he has always been a republican, giving stalwart support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. That he is one of the leaders of the party is indicated in the fact that he is the present mayor of Waitsburg and with the exception of one year he has continued in the office for the past decade. Previously he had been a member of the city council for several years and his official record is one over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He has always been active in the Commercial Club and is at the present time secretary of the Waitsburg Commercial Club, having been called to that position on its incorporation in 1911.

Fraternally Mr. Wheeler is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., in which organization he has always taken a very active part. He is likewise a member of Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; of Occidental Lodge, No. 11, A. O. U. W.; and of Waitsburg Camp, No. 72, W. O. W. In all these organizations he is loyal to the purposes and teachings of the different societies. His standards of life are high and he never deviates from what he believes to be right between himself and his fellowmen. He is actuated by a spirit of progress in all that he undertakes in a business way or in relation to the public welfare and as an official of Waitsburg he has done splendid service in its behalf, looking ever to the benefit and upbuilding of the city.

A. HERBERT GRAVES.

A. Herbert Graves, appointed by President Wilson in January, 1916, to the position of postmaster of Asotin, was born December 2, 1871, in Shelbyville, Shelby county, Missouri, a son of Edmond and Sarah (Tuttle) Graves. He acquired a public school education in his native city and continued his studies at Macon, Missouri. On completing his course he took up the drug business, which he followed in Missouri for six years, and then went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing a wholesale drug house, in which line of business he continued for about two years. He then became connected with the telephone business and on the 5th of April, 1913, he arrived in Asotin, Washington, where he bought out the Asotin Telephone Company, which at that time had but sixty-five patrons. The business is now conducted under the name of the Asotin Telephone Exchange and Mr. Graves is the sole owner. He gives service at the present time to three hundred patrons all over Asotin county and the adjoining territory. He has built up the business along substantial lines and he is accorded a gratifying patronage.

On the 14th of September, 1899, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Ida Algena Watson, a native of New York, and to them have been born three children: June Irene, who is a student in the Asotin high school; Herbert, a student in the eighth grade of the public schools; and Edward, now three years of age.

Mr. Graves and his wife are communicants of the Episcopal church and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and in January, 1916, by presidential appointment, he became postmaster of Asotin, in which connection he is now serving, discharging the duties of the office in a prompt and capable manner and at the same time conducting his telephone business. He is a progressive, energetic and farsighted business man and is meeting with well merited success.

J. BURRES HERROLD.

J. Burres Herrold, a well known farmer residing in Walla Walla, from which point he directs the operation of his extensive holdings, was born in Knox county, Illinois, November 14, 1858, a son of Bishop A. and Harriett (Cullison) Herrold, natives respectively of Indiana and Ohio. They were married, however, in Illinois, to which state they removed as children with their parents. In 1871 they came to the Pacific coast and for seven years lived in the Willamette valley of Oregon, after which they came to Washington, settling in Palouse, Whitman county. Seven years later they took up their residence on a farm on Eureka flats, Walla Walla county, and there the mother died in March, 1893. The father, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, is still living and makes his home with a son residing near Waitsburg.

J. Burres Herrold was reared at home and acquired his education in the common schools of Illinois. At the time of the arrival of the family in the Willamette valley he was thirteen years of age. A year after their removal to Washington, in June, 1878, he left home and began his independent career. In 1882 he filed on a homestead on Eureka flats, Walla Walla county, and retained the ownership of that place until 1907, when he disposed of it and purchased four hundred and thirty-four acres in Columbia county two and a half miles east of Waitsburg. He resided upon that place until 1915, when he removed to Walla Walla, where he now lives. He still, however, gives close attention to supervising the work of the farm and his progressive methods and excellent business judgment have enabled him to gain financial independence.

On the 8th of January, 1915, Mr. Herrold was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Perrigo, a daughter of Harlow and Ida (Daniels) Perrigo. Her father died in Wisconsin, and in 1909 her mother came to Walla Walla, where she now lives. Mrs. Herrold was for eight years prior to her marriage a teacher in the Walla Walla schools and is a woman of excellent education and good executive ability.

Mr. Herrold supports the republican party at the polls but is without ambition for office. He is connected with Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and with Coppei Encampment, No. 73. He is loyal to the order and to its teachings of mutual helpfulness and fraternity, and the principles which govern his life are further indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. They are progressive in spirit and willingly support all movements looking toward the advancement of the interests of their community.

HERBERT L. WILSON.

Herbert L. Wilson has devoted the greater part of his life to engineering work and is now a leader in his profession in southeastern Washington, being especially prominent in connection with the construction of state highways and bridges and the paving of city streets. He was born in Henry county, Iowa, June 25, 1877, a son of Jonah and Mary (Graham) Wilson, both of whom were born in Ohio, where they were reared. Soon after their marriage they left that state and removed to Henry county, Iowa, which was then just being settled. The father filed on a homestead and both he and the mother still reside on that place. His holdings now comprise four hundred and eighty acres and he is recognized as one of the most successful farmers and stock raisers of Henry county.

Herbert L. Wilson was educated in the public schools of Henry county and in Drake University of Des Moines, from which he received the degree of civil engineer in the class of 1899. Following his graduation he devoted some time to farming in his native county, but in 1904 came to the Pacific coast. For about a year he was employed on construction work in Portland and then came to Walla Walla. He remained in this city only a short time, however, and then took up a homestead in Franklin county, Washington. Later he commuted the homestead and proved up on his claim in less time that it would have taken to do so under the homestead law. He was instrumental in securing the establishment of a postoffice at Ringgold, and for a year and a half served as postmaster. After securing the title to his land he was employed in the engineering department of the North Coast Railroad Company, which has since become a part of the Union Pacific system, and while in that connection he worked on the construction of the road for two and a half years. In 1908 he went to Twin Falls, Idaho, where he developed a farm under the newly installed irrigation project, but after remaining upon the place for about a year he went to North Yakima, Washington, where he went into business on his own account as construction engineer. During the following two and a half years he completed a number of important projects and in 1912 came to Walla Walla, where he has since gained an enviable reputation as a capable engineer. He has given his attention largely to state highway construction and has also done a great deal of street paving in Walla Walla and has erected a large number of bridges. He has handled some of the largest jobs in these lines in this section of the state and has not only gained high professional standing but has won material success.

Mr. Wilson was married in 1908 to Miss Stella Nixon, a daughter of E. H. Nixon, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson has been born a daughter, Mary Lavelle.

Mr. Wilson is an advocate of republican principles and supports the candidates of that party at the polls. He is connected fraternally with Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., and with Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., and is likewise a member of the Walla Walla Commercial Club. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and his life has at all times been actuated by high moral principles.

JEREMIAH M. CAMP.

Jeremiah M. Camp, one of the prosperous and highly esteemed residents of Walla Walla, was for many years actively engaged in farming in Whitman county, where he still owns a large tract of valuable land, but is now living retired. A native of Ohio, he was born May 10, 1837, and is a son of John and Deborah (Martin) Camp, both of whom were born in Connecticut, the former in 1801. The parents removed to Ohio at an early day in the development of that state and there the mother passed away in 1856. Two years later the father removed with his family to Knox county, Illinois, and devoted the remainder of his life to the operation of a farm there. He died suddenly in 1865. There were five sons in the family but only three are now living.

Jeremiah M. Camp passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native state and is indebted for his education to its public schools. Following his marriage, February 12, 1858, at the age of twenty years, he became a resident of Knox County, Illinois. In 1862 he enlisted there in Company I, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served at the front until the close of the Civil war in 1865. Although he took part in a great deal of hard fighting he was never wounded nor imprisoned. After being mustered out at Chicago he returned to Ohio, where his wife was then residing, and they continued to make their home in that state until 1867, when they went to the vicinity of Washington, Iowa, where Mr. Camp engaged in farming for three years. In 1870 he went to Kansas and in 1883 came to Washington. After staying for a time in Walla Walla county he removed to Whitman county, where he took up a homestead. He at once gave his entire time and attention to the task of developing that farm and as the years passed made many improvements thereon. In 1904 he retired and took up his residence in Walla Walla, where he now lives. He still owns sixteen hundred and sixty acres of land in Whitman county, all in a high state of cultivation, and derives therefrom a gratifying income. The success which he has gained is doubly creditable in that it is due to his quickness to see and take advantage of opportunities, his good management and his hard work.

On the 12th of February, 1858, Mr. Camp was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Ann Merritt, also a native of Vinton county, Ohio, and they traveled life's journey together for fifty-two years, Mrs. Camp dying in Walla Walla on the 8th of October, 1911. They became the parents of nine children, as follows: Louis and Ida, both deceased; Hattie, the wife of William Barber, of Anthony, Kansas; A. I. and George, both residents of Whitman county, Washington; May, the wife of Theodore Harris, of Oklahoma; Sadie, the wife of Charles Pryor, of Dayton, Washington; and Archibald and Ira, both residents of Whitman county. The wife and mother was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Camp has voted the republican ticket since he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has never been active in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his farm work, and in so doing he has not only won financial independence but has also contributed to the development of this district along agricultural lines. Through his membership in the local Grand Army post he keeps in touch with the other veterans of the war and finds great pleasure in recalling the experiences of those days.

JAMES A. YEEND.

James A. Yeend is a self-made man who is now the owner of three hundred and eighty acres, constituting a valuable farm property on section 20, township 8 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, on the 8th of March, 1856, and is a son of William and Ellen (Surman) Yeend, who were natives of England, whence they crossed the Atlantic to the new world in December, 1870. They settled on a farm in section 20, township 8 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county, and here the father passed away, while the mother later became a resident of Walla Walla and died in that city. They were the parents of sixteen children, seven of whom survive.

James A. Yeend was a lad of fourteen years when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in company with his parents. He had acquired his education in England and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, when he started out in life for himself. Two years later he took up a preemption claim of one hundred and twenty acres and bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land in Walla Walla county but in 1883 sold this property to his father. He then removed to Whitman county, Washington, where he took up a homestead and timber claim, upon which he lived for twelve years and through that period wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his property, for he brought much of the land under a high state of cultivation. In 1896 he sold that place and came to Walla Walla county, where he now resides. Here he owns three hundred and eighty-four acres of rich and productive land, upon which he has placed many modern improvements, including an attractive home and substantial buildings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He is an energetic and progressive farmer and his place presents a most attractive appearance, indicative of the care and labor which he bestows upon his fields and also indicative of the careful supervision which he gives to all branches of the farm work.

On the 15th of December, 1883, Mr. Yeend was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Chandler, also a native of Gloucestershire, England, and a daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Surman) Chandler. Her father died in that country and her mother came to America in October, 1882, locating in Whitman county, Washington, where she took up a homestead claim and spent the remainder of her life. To Mr. and Mrs. Yeend have been born eight children, namely: Ernest E., Edith M., Fred S. and Frank J., twins; Flora E., William A., Olive and Esther A.

Mr. and Mrs. Yeend are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, Mr. Yeend serving now as one of the trustees. His political support is given to the republican party and he has served for sixteen years as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and is not only one of the self-made men of Walla Walla county but is also one of its most progressive farmers and in all that he does holds to the highest standards of agricultural development and activity.

SURMAN N. YEEND.

Surman N. Yeend, one of the leading wheat raisers of the Walla Walla valley, residing at Valley Grove, was born in England, May 21, 1866, a son of William and Ellen Yeend, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of their son James.

Surman N. Yeend was reared and educated in Walla Walla county, having been but a young lad when brought by his parents to the new world. The family home was established in the northwest and he has since been familiar with the upbuilding and progress of this section of the country. His youthful days were spent in the usual manner of the farmbred boy who divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields, and his early training in farm work well qualified him to take up work of that character on his own account after he had reached man's estate. He located on the place which is now his home and which comprises seven hundred acres of rich and productive land, all under cultivation. He makes a specialty of the growing of wheat and his broad fields present a most pleasing picture, giving indication of abundant harvests. He is also successfully engaged in stock raising and keeps upon his farm high grades of cattle, horses and hogs. In all of his business affairs he displays a progressive spirit and keeps in touch with every improvement that has to do with farm life.

Mr. Yeend has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Anna M. Harper and to them were born two children: Charles E.; and Helen, the wife of Arthur Anderson. The wife and mother passed away and in 1901 Mr. Yeend was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Loland, a native of Washington. They have become parents of six children: Cleola M., Roland A., Allen C., Wilbur H., Lowell W. and Howard S.

Mr. and Mrs. Yeend are members of the Nazarene church. Mr. Yeend votes with the republican party and has served on the census board, filling that position in 1900. He is not active in politics, however, preferred to concentrate his time and energies upon his farming interests, and by his close application in business affairs and his unremitting industry he has won a very gratifying measure of success, being now numbered among the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of Walla Walla county.

WILLIS RESER.

Willis Reser is engaged in general farming and stock raising on section 5, township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county. He has been a resident of the Walla Walla valley since 1863 and in the intervening period, covering fifty-four years, has been closely and prominently identified with its agricultural development.

He was born in Davis county, Iowa, December 29, 1856, and is a son of George and Mary (Waterman) Reser, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of their son, William Reser, on another page of this work. The family arrived in the Walla Walla valley in 1863, so that Willis Reser was here reared and educated. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life and with the arduous task of developing a new farm. When he had attained his majority he began farming on his own account and later purchased the property upon which he now resides, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres which constituted his father's old homestead. Upon this place he has since lived and he also has a residence in Walla Walla, which he occupies a part of the time. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock raising and he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. In his pastures are found good grades of stock and everything about his place indicates the owner to be a man of progressive spirit and one who is thoroughly familiar with the line of work in which he engages. He has closely studied the soil and climatic conditions in relation to the production of crops and he has made an equally close study of the best methods of stock raising. Success is therefore attending his efforts and he is numbered among the substantial farmers of this section of the state.

In May, 1884, Mr. Reser was united in marriage to Miss Mima Kirkland, who was born in Oregon, a daughter of Joseph E. and Mary (Standefer) Kirkland. The father was a native of Illinois but was reared principally in Arkansas and crossed the plains in the '50s. The journey was made with teams over the long, hot stretches of sand and across the mountain passes until ultimately he reached Oregon. Still later he removed to Walla Walla county and settled upon a farm. Joseph E. Kirkland was an attorney by profession and engaged in the practice of law for several years in addition to the conduct of his agricultural interests. To Mr. and Mrs. Reser have been born four children: George, who is now located in Detroit, Michigan; Joseph, deceased; one who died in infancy; and Willis H., who is still at home.

Mrs. Reser is a member of the Congregational church and is a lady of many admirable traits of character who enjoys the warm regard of a large circle of friends. Politically Mr. Reser gives his support to the democratic party. He served for some years as a member of the school board but has always preferred that his public service should be done as a private citizen rather than as an office holder. He stands loyally, however, for what he believes to be for the best interests of the community and through the long years of his residence in this county he has given his aid and influence in behalf of those projects and measures which he has believed would prove of greatest benefit to the section. The county to which he came in 1863 bore little resemblance to the highly developed district which is here seen today. He has witnessed all of the changes which have occurred in the interim and can speak with authority upon many events which have shaped the history of Walla Walla county.

GILBERT HUNT.

Gilbert Hunt solely through his own efforts gained a place among the industrial leaders of Walla Walla, being the head of a company known as the largest manufacturers of farm machinery in the northwest, and he was equally prominent in civic affairs, serving for three terms as mayor. He was born in Ryegate, Vermont, January 27, 1855, a son of Solomon Sherman and Katherine Hunt. He was reared in a home where as he studied he was taught to work hard, think deeply and live simply, and his life was characterized by the "plain living and high thinking" characteristic of New England. The family were in limited financial circumstances and he early began to do his part toward providing for his own support. The first work that he performed for others was pasturing the cattle of the villagers, driving them to pasture in the early morning and returning with them in the evening. Later he worked his way through the academy at Peacham and each week end walked home, a distance of ten miles, in order to give his father the benefit of his labor on Saturday.

In early manhood Mr. Hunt was employed for some time as a millwright, later engaged in the manufacture of washboards, and he was also for a time a furniture painter and an organ tuner. During these early years he had to contend not only against poverty but also against ill health and at length it became necessary that he have outdoor employment and accordingly he peddled tinware through the country. At length, having received very favorable reports of Walla Walla from the Rev. Cobleigh, pastor of the Congregational church here and formerly pastor of the church in McIndoes, Vermont, Mr. Hunt decided to try his fortune in this new western country. After a journey of three weeks he reached this city and found work in the Glasford planing mill, which, however, shut down in the autumn. Although somewhat discouraged, he was dissuaded from carrying out his determination of going elsewhere by a merchant of the city and gradually he gained a foothold and in time became the head of the Gilbert Hunt Company, one of the largest industrial concerns of the entire northwest and the largest producers of farm machinery in this section. Mr. Hunt not only proved himself an executive of great force but also a successful inventor and was the originator of the Pride of Washington thresher. The memory of his early struggles remained with him and when boys applied for work in the "Hunt shops" and the foreman said that they had no vacancies Mr. Hunt gave orders that work be found in some way in order to give the boys a chance.

This desire to be of assistance found expression in many ways and there was no project for the advancement of his city that failed to receive his hearty support. In many instances Mr. Hunt initiated and carried to successful completion movements for public improvements, such as the paving of the center business district, the extension of the water system providing for the present intake twelve miles above the city, the betterment of the sewage system, the securing of the Carnegie library and the establishment of public parks. He was one of the most effective workers for well advised publicity for Walla Walla and its surrounding territory and recognized the value of building up a reputation for Walla Walla as a good convention city. For three terms he served as mayor and one who knew him for thirty years said of him in that connection: "Gilbert Hunt brought to the office of mayor long training and experience in large business affairs and great executive and administrative ability. He was a man of fine presence, meeting people easily and agreeably, was informed as to his official duties, had a clear idea of the things to be done, and inspired confidence in his ability to do them."

Mr. Hunt was married in McIndoes, Vermont, June 10, 1876, to Miss Hopie M. Osgood, who is descended from Revolutionary ancestry. To this marriage were born four children, of whom three survive: Mabelle H., the wife of Wilbur A. Toner, an attorney of Walla Walla; Eugene A., who married Jessie M. Babcock, a daughter of W. H. Babcock, of Walla Walla, and is now living in Hong-kong, China, engaged in the exporting and importing business; and Marguerite A., the wife of Gus Meese, Jr., of Spokane, Washington.

Mr. Hunt was a prominent Mason and was devoted to the order, which he recognized as a great force for good. He was master of Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., for seven years, was a Knight Templar and was also connected with the Mystic Shrine. In early manhood he belonged to the Congregational church but later was one of the organizers and the first president of the Christian Science church of Walla Walla. He manifested the keenest interest in educational matters and for eight years served on the board of education, during which time the High and Green Park school buildings were erected, and he was also connected in an official capacity with Whitman College, being a member of its board of trustees at the time of his death. He passed away December 15, 1914, and the grief felt by his many friends found expression in words of love and admiration for his splendid qualities. An editorial writer in the Portland Journal said: "Not alone in public service did his great heart beat, but the life of many an individual was made brighter by a helpful word and a charitable hand." A well known educator who had known him for twenty-five years wrote as follows: "I always found his wit, his geniality, his ready sympathy, his practical sagacity, his helpfulness, sources of strength and encouragement. In the great loss which his family, his friends, the community has suffered in his death we may assuredly find solace in the hope that those qualities which we loved in him are enduring."

PHILIP J. PENTECOST.

Philip J. Pentecost is now living retired in Walla Walla but for many years was actively and successfully identified with farming interests. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, December 13, 1856, a son of William C. and Jemima (Wilcox) Pentecost, the former a native of Somersetshire, England, while the latter was born near Utica, New York. The father came to the United States when a lad of fourteen years in company with his parents and settled in New York, where he afterward married. Two children were born to him and his wife in the Empire state. Later he removed to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1875 became a resident of Seattle, Washington. Soon afterward he went to Portland, Oregon, and still later to Albany, where he and his wife spent the summer. In the following fall they came northward to Walla Walla, looking for a suitable location, and soon after reaching this place the father and his son, Philip J., went up to Spokane, leaving the family in Walla Walla. They returned just before Christmas and spent the winter in this city. The following spring, however, they returned to Seattle, where they remained for a few weeks and thence removed to Forest Grove, Oregon. During their roamings they managed through their work to get together a spike team, consisting of three horses, one leading other two, and after spending the summer in Forest Grove they again came to Walla Walla, driving through by team. After passing through the Indian reservation they reached the Walla Walla valley. The mother was riding in the back of the wagon with the front cover drawn, but just before reaching the valley she had raised the cover to look out and soon remarked, "I should think all the children could find homes here," and a few moments later one of the sons said to her that they had reached their camping place. She did not reply and they found that she was dead, having expired from heart disease in the few moments after speaking to them. The family brought the body on to Walla Walla for interment. They spent the winter in the town and in the spring of 1877 Mr. Pentecost purchased a tract of four hundred acres of choice land located in Spring Valley, about eight miles northeast of the city, on the Waitsburg road. He contracted for this land at a basis of seven dollars per acre, to be paid for with wheat at fifty cents per bushel.

This land was afterward paid for by Philip J. Pentecost and an older brother, Charles N., and thus came into their possession. For thirty years the two brothers cooperated in their farming enterprise and in the meantime added to their holdings until the place comprised a thousand acres. Charles N. Pentecost afterward acquired extensive land holdings elsewhere and Philip J. Pentecost purchased his interest in the Walla Walla county farm, which he still owns independently. He also has four hundred acres on Blue Creek which is largely grazing land and on which he runs as high as a hundred head of cattle at a time. About 1901 he left the farm and took up his abode in the city in order to give his children better educational opportunities and since then has resided in Walla Walla, having a handsome residence at 603 Cherry street. He also owns four other city residences. For the past seven years he has rented his farm lands and has practically lived retired.

On the 29th of June, 1889, Mr. Pentecost was united in marriage to Mrs. Joseph Maul, who bore the maiden name of Nellie Wolfe and is a daughter of Harry Wolfe, who crossed the plains to Washington with a horse team in 1888. By her first husband Mrs. Pentecost had a daughter, Catherine Z. M., now Mrs. Stanley Sleeper of Lewiston, Idaho, and to Mr. and Mrs. Pentecost has also been born a daughter, Sadie R., who is the wife of A. E. Page, of Walla Walla.

Mr. Pentecost gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F. and with Walla Walla Camp, No. 96, W. O. W. He and his wife and daughter are members of the Baptist church, of which he was a deacon for years and is now one of the trustees. The family is one of prominence in Walla Walla and the hospitality of the best homes of the city is freely accorded them. Mr. Pentecost has made for himself a very creditable position in business circles, ranking for many years as one of the leading wheat growers of this section of the state, and his life record constitutes an example well worthy of emulation.

GEORGE BENSON KUYKENDALL, M. D.

Dr. George Benson Kuykendall, one of the foremost physicians of eastern Washington, practicing at Pomeroy, was born near Terre Haute, Indiana, January 22, 1843, a son of John and Malinda (Stark) Kuykendall. The early family history is found in the New York Dutch Church or Dutch Reformed Baptismal records and in the county records of New York county. The family comes of Holland Dutch ancestry, the home being originally near Wageningen, in the Gelderland province, from which came the ancestors of Theodore Roosevelt. The first of the name in America was Jacob Luursen Van Kuykendael, who came to America on the ship de Princess from Holland in 1646 and landed at New Amsterdam, now New York. The Van in the family name was retained until about 1730. The ancestors were with the Van Rensselaer colony at old Fort Orange and afterward removed to Esopus, New York. Later the sons and daughters of that generation went to the Minisink region, on the Delaware, about 1700, and subsequently the branch of the family of which Dr. Kuykendall is a representative was founded in Virginia between 1743 and 1748, probably in the latter year. His mother came from the same ancestry as General John Stark of Revolutionary war fame, and their progenitors were originally from near Essen, Germany.